In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Delta High School will move from its current location on Cabrillo College’s lower campus to Building 500 on the upper campus. This transition, set to take place over the summer, will allow Delta students to attend classes in the newly renovated building starting in fall 2025.
Approximately 65% of Delta High School students take Cabrillo College courses through their Dual Enrollment program before graduating. The new location will further integrate Delta with Cabrillo, offering easier access to campus amenities such as the library and the HUB. This move will also provide a more seamless transition for Delta’s seniors, with 80% of graduates continuing their education at Cabrillo College.
Delta Superintendent/Principal Jen Ra’anan expressed enthusiasm about the new space, saying, “We are excited to provide a high-quality learning environment for all of our students. The move will improve access for our dual-enrolled students and better prepare them for college life at Cabrillo.”
Founded in 1994 as “Cities in Schools” by local businesspeople, Delta School was created to serve students who needed an alternative to traditional schooling. Originally housed at the University of California, Santa Cruz, the school moved to Cabrillo College in 2002. Since then, it has maintained a strong partnership with the college.
“We are thrilled to welcome Delta School to Cabrillo’s upper campus,” said Matt Wetstein, Cabrillo College Superintendent and President. “With the high percentage of Delta students already enrolled at Cabrillo, this new location will give them greater access to campus resources and offer a more authentic college experience.”
Mary Altier, president of Delta’s Board, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with Cabrillo College, stating, “The shared vision between our two institutions will provide better educational opportunities for students seeking a smaller, more personalized learning environment.”
Delta School currently supports 120 students in grades 9 through 12, offering academic programs that range from accelerated coursework to additional support for those who need it. While Delta intentionally keeps class sizes small, the move to the upper campus could allow the school to enroll 15 more students. Each year, Delta graduates between 40 and 60 students, with 50 seniors expected to graduate this year.
Renovations to Building 500 are underway to prepare for Delta’s move. The school plans to host a Grand Opening and 30th Anniversary celebration in late April or early May, once the renovations are complete.
Delta School is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. Families interested in enrolling or learning more can visit www.deltaschool.org or contact Superintendent/Principal Jen Ra’anan at jraanan@deltaschool.org.
About Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technical education programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of achievement, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. With a commitment to quality and equity, Cabrillo connects all learners to pathways that propel them from where they are to where they aspire to be, including: academic, personal, and career growth.
About Delta School
Through its three programs: Direct Instruction, Guided Studies, and Independent Studies, Delta strives to make education relevant to young people who have not been engaged by traditional high school models. With an average annual enrollment of 125 students, Delta School offers a highly supportive and academically challenging environment with a 1:16 teacher/student ratio. The Delta staff work hard to create an achievement-focused school culture that fosters healthy relationships between students and adults.
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